Airport Gets Grant for a New Taxiway

Ventura County officials received a pleasant surprise Friday when federal authorities announced a grant of more than $940,000 for a new taxiway at Camarillo Airport.

“Christmas has come early,” said Rodney Murphy, the county’s director of airports. “This is a project we had probably figured on doing next budget year. This offer coming early is sorely needed.”

The new taxiway will connect the airport’s main ramp area with the east end of the runway, allowing for two-way taxiing of aircraft and reducing aircraft bottlenecks, Murphy said. He said it will also augment the airport’s seven taxiways.

The federal Department of Transportation funds will pay for nearly 90% of the project, with county and state money covering the rest, Murphy said. Construction is to begin in eight months to a year and will take three to four months.

In 1996, county supervisors approved a five-year capital improvement plan for the Oxnard and Camarillo airports. The plan called for nearly $20 million in renovations, including new taxiways, better streets and upgraded security at both airports. The new taxiway is the third major project to be funded at Camarillo Airport. The county previously received $1.3 million for an overlay of the airport’s main runway, security fencing and work on its taxiways.

The Camarillo Airport has developed a following among executives from west county companies. According to a 20-year airport master plan, improved runways would draw more corporate headquarters to the area.

Murphy said there are about 190,000 takeoffs and landings at Camarillo Airport annually. He estimated revenues at $2.1 million for the current fiscal year.